The Michigan Urban and Community Forestry Inflation Reduction Act Grant Program, administered by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), is a federally funded initiative supported by the USDA Forest Service’s Urban and Community Forestry Program. This grant program is part of the federal Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, which allocated $1.5 billion to support urban forestry projects across the nation. The program’s primary purpose is to enhance urban tree canopy coverage and ensure that disadvantaged communities gain increased and equitable access to environmental, health, and economic benefits derived from trees and green spaces. The program also aims to increase community engagement in urban forestry planning and management and improve the resilience of urban forests to climate change, pests, diseases, and severe weather events.

The program’s funding round for January 2025, known as Round 3, offers approximately $1 million in total funding. Grant awards range from a minimum of $10,000 to a maximum of $150,000, although larger requests may be considered with pre-approval from DNR staff. Eligible applicants include local units of government (cities, villages, townships, counties, libraries), tribal governments, state agencies, educational institutions, and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Collaborative applications involving partnerships with non-eligible entities such as businesses, community groups, and individuals are encouraged. Importantly, all funded projects must benefit disadvantaged communities, as defined by federal and state environmental justice screening tools, and must align with the goals of the Michigan Forest Action Plan.

Eligible activities for funding include public tree inventories, urban forest planning and management, tree planting and care, community outreach and education, workforce development, and certain tree and stump removals (if paired with replanting at a two-to-one ratio). All projects must include a clear plan for community engagement, ensuring that residents participate in planning and implementation. Projects must occur in areas identified as disadvantaged through tools such as the Council on Environmental Quality’s Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool and Michigan’s MiEJScreen. Ineligible expenses include equipment purchases over $5,000, land acquisition, construction projects, and basic research unrelated to immediate implementation.

Applications must be submitted via MiGrants, the DNR’s online grants management system. Applicants must create or access a MiLogin account, register their organization in MiGrants, and complete the application process, which includes detailed project descriptions, budgets, and required attachments such as site maps, letters of commitment, and quotes. A grant webinar for interested applicants will be held on January 24, 2025, and the application deadline is March 14, 2025. Grant awards will be announced in April 2025, and all funded projects must be completed by June 30, 2027. Final reimbursement requests and documentation must be submitted by July 31, 2027.

Grant proposals are evaluated based on technical merit, alignment with program goals, the applicant’s capacity and past performance, community engagement plans, measurable outcomes, and long-term sustainability. A review committee composed of DNR staff and members of the Michigan Urban and Community Forestry Council will assess applications. Successful applicants will be required to participate in a grant kickoff meeting with DNR staff, sign a formal agreement, and comply with reporting and reimbursement requirements, including regular progress reports, photographic documentation, and adherence to state and federal fiscal and accounting standards.

For further information, applicants may contact Kerry Gray, Urban and Community Forestry Grant Specialist, by email at GrayK12@michigan.gov or by phone at 734-691-1806. Additional resources, including recommended tree species lists and planting guidelines, are available on the Michigan DNR website. Applicants should also ensure they have a valid SIGMA Vendor Number and a Federal Unique Entity ID before applying. All communication materials produced with grant funding must acknowledge the Michigan DNR and USDA Forest Service, and all projects must comply with applicable non-discrimination laws and policies.